‘Music Speaks’

When the Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular comes to Jamestown this weekend, an “American Idol” winner will come with it.

Candice Glover, winner of season 12 of Fox’s hit show is set to perform at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena on Saturday.

According to Glover, she’s really excited about the chance to perform in this show because she remembers watching ice skating on television with her grandmother when she was younger.

“Actually getting a chance to perform during something like that is really exciting,” Glover said.

Glover recalls watching Kristi Yamaguchi, who will serve as a host during the spectacular, and was always amazed at how skilled she was at skating, she said.

“I would watch her with my grandma with my mouth open,” Glover said. “It brought me and my family together, and we would all watch it in amazement – I definitely think it’s something to do with your family during the Christmas holiday.”

Fresh from the struggle on “American Idol,” Glover has refocused her energy to become a touring musician, which is amazing because she’s doing what she’s always wanted to do, she said.

“On television you’re competing for the prize, but now I’m just singing and doing what I love – I’m having a lot of fun,” Glover said. “You still get judged, but it’s a little less pressure.”

During the show, Glover will perform her newest single, “Cried,” which is to be featured on the upcoming release of her debut album, “Music Speaks.” The song was written by Glover’s favorite singer, Jasmine Sullivan. She’ll also perform “In The Middle,” which was written by Fantasia.

“It feels great,” Glover said. “I absolutely love singing and expressing myself through music. Being in the studio and writing a few things as well has been a great experience. It’s really exciting to be able to sing my own songs, actually have people listen to it and connect with me.

“Love is my favorite thing to sing about,” Glover continued. “People go through it every day: a broken heart, finding love or even just thinking a guy is cute. So, I think I’ll connect with listeners mostly through a love aspect of things. I really think that people are going to understand my music- hopefully love it and buy it too.”

Several of the other tunes on the album that Glover really enjoys are: “Die Without You,” “Forever That Man” and “Kiss Me.”

“‘Forever That Man’ is a song I wrote with Jackie Boyz and Apex Productions so I’m really excited about that one because I really got a chance to express myself on it,” Glover said. “‘Die Without You’ and ‘Kiss Me’ were written by Theron and Timothy Thompson from Rock City – I love those song because they really challenge me.”

In addition to Glover, the show is set to feature four-time World Figure Skating champion Kurt Browning, Olympic gymnast champion Nastia Liukin and the star of Disney’s “Let It Shine,” Coco Jones. The cast is also scheduled to include: Elvis Stojko, two-time Olympic medalist, three-time World Champion and seven-time Canadian champion; Joannie Rochette, Olympic medalist and U.S. champion; Lucas Grabeel, star of Disney’s “High School Musical”; and many others.

Set to host the event are several other big names, such as Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skating champion; Michael Weiss, three-time U.S. figure skating champion; and Olympic gymnastics champions Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner.

The show will be broadcast nationally on NBC on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 1-3 p.m. Following the initial telecast, the show will be rebroadcast on AXS TV. Also, the show will be posted in its entirety on www.IceNetwork.com for viewing for six months following the following the NBC telecast.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. Saturday show, which start at $55, are available at the arena box office, 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown, online at www.jamestownarena.com or by phone at 484-2624.